Abstract: A piping component for controlling the flow of fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and up to approximately 650° F. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than trace amounts of lead, less than trace amounts of bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight). In certain aspects, less than 0.09% of lead and/or less than 0.09% bismuth are contained in the silicon-copper alloy.

Abstract: A locking collar slideably fits over the control handle of a valve, such as a ball valve, and can be moved to locking and unlocking positions. The collar includes a pair of fork-like tines which are spaced apart to span a stop member on the valve body. One of the tines includes a tab with a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded adjustment screw. When tightened against the stop member, the screw secures the locking collar and, therefore, the valve handle in a fixed position, preventing inadvertent changing of the valve position. An aperture in the handle allows a lock to be inserted through the handle preventing movement of the locking collar to prevent changing of the valve position by unauthorized tampering.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting for coupling a water supply line to a second plumbing fitting includes a polymeric tailpiece having one end for coupling to a conduit and an opposite end with an outwardly extending annular flange having an annular face surface. A circular recess is formed in the face surface for receiving a seal. A nut is positioned over the tailpiece and has an inwardly extending annular rim engaging a side of the flange opposite the face surface. The nut is formed of a polymeric material having internal threads and integrally includes a metal insert extending in concentric spaced relationship to the threads of the nut. The insert includes an end which is threaded and forms a lead-in thread that is coaxial with the threads of the nut.

Abstract: A piping component for controlling the flow of fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and up to approximately 650° F. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than trace amounts of lead, less than trace amounts of bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight). In certain aspects, less than 0.09% of lead and/or less than 0.09% bismuth are contained in the silicon-copper alloy.

Abstract: An O-ring has a flange which includes a plurality of slots, such that, when inserted into an annular groove of a pipe fitting before crimping, the slots allow the flow of fluid therethrough, such that an installation would not pass pressure tests until such time as a proper crimp has been made. Such a design allows the use of conventional push-on pipe connections by utilizing a unique O-ring seal which works in conjunction with standard push-on crimp-type pipe fittings and conventional crimping tools for subsequently sealing the connection. The O-ring is either circular or elliptical in cross section and the slots define equally spaced annular segments.

Abstract: A piping component for controlling the flow of high-temperature fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and 650° F. The piping body may also be sized for high-temperature fluids (e.g., steam) operating at pressures of up to approximately 400 psi, and 600 psi. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than 0.25% lead, less than 0.25% bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight).

Abstract: An indicator post has a head assembly for use with an underground post indicator valve or a wall mounted post indicator valve. The head assembly includes an upper body having a removable cap rotatably supporting an operating stem coupled to an operating rod for engaging the valve. A leading bogie assembly threadably mated to a threaded sleeve of the operating stem and includes open and shut targets slideably supported on the bogie assembly to allow adjustment of the targets for valves that open and shut with different numbers of revolutions.

Abstract: A piping component for controlling the flow of high-temperature fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and 650° F. The piping body may also be sized for high-temperature fluids (e.g., steam) operating at pressures of up to approximately 400 psi, and 600 psi. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than 0.25% lead, less than 0.25% bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight).

Abstract: A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting for coupling a water supply line to a second plumbing fitting includes a polymeric tailpiece having one end for coupling to a conduit and an opposite end with an outwardly extending annular flange having an annular face surface. A circular recess is formed in the face surface for receiving a seal. A nut is positioned over the tailpiece and has an inwardly extending annular rim engaging a side of the flange opposite the face surface. The nut is formed of a polymeric material having internal threads and integrally includes a metal insert extending in concentric spaced relationship to the threads of the nut. The insert includes an end which is threaded and forms a lead-in thread that is coaxial with the threads of the nut.

Abstract: A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.

Abstract: Copper alloys exhibiting enhanced oxidation resistance are provided by adding an amount of sulfur that is effective to enhance oxidative resistance. Such sulfur addition can be achieved by combining elemental forms of copper and sulfur and heating the mixture to form a molten alloy, or by forming a sulfur-rich pre-mix that is added to a base alloy composition. Forming a pre-mix provides improved homogeneity and distribution of the sulfur predominantly in the form of a metal sulfide.

Abstract: Copper-zinc alloys exhibiting enhanced oxidation resistance are provided by adding an amount of sulfur that is effective to enhance oxidative resistance. Such sulfur addition can be achieved by forming a sulfur-rich pre-mix that is added to a base alloy composition. This technique provides improved homogeneity and distribution of the sulfur predominantly in the form of a metal sulfide.

Abstract: A pipe brace assembly includes a main clamp body that can be secured to a brace pipe. A cable, or other flexible tensioning member, can be wrapped around a braced pipe and secured to the main clamp body. The pipe brace assembly includes a method or mechanism for tensioning the cable or flexible tensioning member around the braced pipe. In some embodiments, the tensioning method or mechanism involves moving, such as rotating, the main clamp body to tension the cable or tensioning member. The clamping of the main clamp body and tensioning of the cable or tensioning member can occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A beam clamp for mounting to a flange of a beam or other support, having a main body and a set screw. The main body has an end wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first and second side walls each define a slot having an open end and a closed end. The end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the main body are formed by a unitary piece of material having a wall thickness. The main body further includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that extend unitarily from the end wall. A first threaded opening and a second threaded opening pass through the end wall and a respective one of the first and second threaded openings such that each of the first threaded opening and the second threaded opening define a thread length that is greater than the wall thickness.

Abstract: A sway brace attachment for firmly connecting to a beam and other flanged structures, and a method for manufacturing the sway brace attachment. The sway brace attachment includes a main body and an insert that is captured within the main body by a pair of set screws which also engage the flange. Preferably, a third set screw is supported by the main body and engages the opposite side of the flange from the pair of set screws. The main body can be generally rectangular in shape, with a top wall, a pair of side walls extending from the top wall and a pair of bottom walls, which extend inwardly from respective side walls in an overlapping relationship. The sway brace attachment can be used for bracing pipes and other loads, suspended below ceilings and floors, against sway and seismic disturbances.

Abstract: An adapter integrates a tail piece and connection for coupling to plumbing fittings utilizing a union nut or flange and provides a press-fit connection to the tail piece for installation in the system. The method of manufacturing the adapter comprises the steps of forming a flange on a section of conduit; placing a threaded union nut or mounting flange over the flange fitting; roll-forming an internal, concave annular recess into the section of conduit extending from the nut and inserting an O-ring into the recess for completing the adapter. The adapter can then be sealably attached to a plumbing fitting, such as a valve or the like, utilizing a conventional flat gasket between the flange of the adapter and the plumbing fitting. The installation is completed by inserting a conduit into the adapter to clear the O-ring and crimping the bead formed by the recess to complete the sealed connection.

Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.